Cataract Surgery

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Does the world around you look a little fuzzy? Are colors not popping anymore? Do you see halos around lights at night? You might have a very common eye problem.

Cataracts (cloudiness in your eye’s lens) can be sneaky. Often, you’ll notice a change in your vision. But other times, you won’t know you have them until you get an eye exam. And they don’t go away on their own. Only eye surgery removes them.

While this might make you nervous, you don’t have to worry. Our experienced providers have done many eye surgeries with great results. We’re here to help you get back to seeing clearly.

Why Choose Cleveland Clinic for Cataract Surgery?

Trusted experts:

Our skilled eye surgeons (ophthalmologists) do thousands of cataract surgeries every year — even in children and adults with severe eye disease. Our experience means you’ll get exceptional care and the very best results possible. Meet our team.

Skilled collaborative providers:

If you have other eye issues besides cataracts, you’re in caring and capable hands. We also specialize in retina and cornea disorders like glaucoma and tailor treatment to your needs.

Industry leaders:

Cleveland Clinic’s ophthalmologists are among the world’s most skilled eye surgeons. The tests we use and the surgeries we recommend are based on the latest research. And when new eye surgery methods are available, we’re often among the first places you’ll find them.

Specialized knowledge:

As cataracts surgery experts, we use the newest methods to correct your vision problems.

National recognition:

Cleveland Clinic is a trusted healthcare leader. We're recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for our expertise and care.

Preparing for Cataract Surgery

Any time your provider recommends surgery, you might think, “what’s next?” Maybe you have a lot of questions about the surgery itself. Or you might be wondering about what your vision will be like after. No matter what’s on your list of questions, we’re here to answer them. From the beginning, we’ll walk you through the process and make sure you know what to expect.

We’ll start by taking a close look at your eye. We’ll use special drops to dilate (widen) your pupil (the black dot in the middle of your eye). When the pupil’s wide open, we can see how healthy your eye is and if there are any other problems besides cataracts.

Together, we’ll decide what kind of surgery is right for you. We’ll talk about what you can expect from your surgery, and how we’ll replace your cloudy lens. We’ll also work together to pick the right artificial (intraocular) lens for you. After we choose your lens, we’ll set your surgery date.

Choosing the right artificial lens

When you open your eyes and look around at the world, you might not realize that your eyes are doing a lot of work in the background. Your eye’s natural lens automatically focuses as you look at things. This lets you see things close up, far away or anywhere in the middle clearly. Your eyes constantly do this without you noticing.

Artificial lenses are a bit different. Though you still don’t need to think about it to clearly see things, they don’t act exactly like your natural lenses. For example, monofocal lenses let you focus sharply at only one distance. Multifocal lenses help you see clearly at many different distances. There are more options, too, that can fix other vision problems like astigmatism. Talk to your provider about the different lens options and what could be the best fit for you.

Providers Who Perform Cataract Surgery

Locations

With convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio, we’re ready to help with all of your eye care needs. Find a location near you.

Having Cataract Surgery at Cleveland Clinic

You’ll be awake during surgery. But don’t worry. We’ll give you medications that numb your eye and help you relax. Many patients describe this as a twilight sleep. Then we’ll use a microscope and very fine blade or laser to remove your cloudy lens. Next, we’ll put the new artificial lens on your eye. You won’t need stitches, either. The tiny incisions (cuts) close up all by themselves.

The best part is that this surgery is quick. Taking the cataract out takes only a few minutes. The entire procedure is usually over in 30 minutes or less.

After surgery, you’ll need to keep a shield over your eye for a short time and use drops that will help your eye heal. Your vision may be blurry during recovery but typically clears up over time. You’ll likely go home just 30 minutes after your surgery. We’ll check on your progress at your follow-up appointments.

Taking the Next Step

If things aren’t as clear and bright for you as they used to be, cataracts could be the reason. Cataract surgery can help clear up your vision. But how do you get started? Often, your treatment journey starts with an eye appointment. Our ophthalmology team will take a look at how healthy your eyes are. Then they’ll talk with you about whether or not cataract surgery is a good fit for you. Along the way, we’ll answer your questions and help guide you through the entire process. We’re here to help you see the world more clearly and colorfully.